[Salvation]

Today’s email — your praying has an impact!

I’m sending you this message from the Akron, Ohio
airport where I’m about to board a 6 AM flight to
Washington, D.C. Over the last few days, I’ve been
blessed to visit 40 Days for Life locations from
Indianapolis, Indiana, to Painesville, Cleveland,
Akron, and Canton, Ohio.

Everywhere I go, people ask the question: “Are our
prayers really making a difference?”

The answer, I am convinced, is often: “Yes, they most
certainly are — and in ways you may never know. So
just have faith that God is at work — somewhere!”

That answer was confirmed recently by a taxi driver
in Providence, Rhode Island.

Joanne said the driver pulled his cab over to the
area where 40 Days for Life vigil participants were
praying outside a Providence abortion center.

“Let me tell you a story,” he said. “You make a
difference, you know.”

The driver went on to explain that he’d been seeing
people praying outside the facility for a few years.
“Sometimes there’s just one,” he said. “I don’t like
that, when one of you is left alone.”

It made this man think. “I asked myself why anyone
would come out in the rain, the snow, the heat, the
night, the morning — even when you’re alone, and even
when people were mean to you. I figured what you were
doing meant something big. Why else would you do it?”

The regular prayer presence, and the sign he often saw
with a scripture passage — “Before I formed you in the
womb, I knew you” — made a deep impression.

“What you do, standing and praying and holding that
sign, standing no matter what — that is enough,” he
said.

“It speaks for itself. That’s the message. It’s true.”

But that’s only the beginning of the story.

“When my daughter called from down South to tell me
she was pregnant,” said the taxi drive, “I thought of
you. And I never said ‘abortion’ to her. I just helped.
Now I’m the grandfather of a two-year old. That baby
is so important — no matter what.”

He then related a more recent phone call, from his
younger daughter. “She has lots of difficulties and
worries,” he said, “illness, financial problems,
abandonment, everything. She told me she was pregnant.

“I thought of you people. Again, I knew. I didn’t say
‘abortion.’ She’s seven weeks pregnant. She’s going
to make it. We’ll work it out.”

This man, who was unknown to any of the vigil
participants, just appeared to say that what you’re
doing has an impact — so don’t ever wonder if the
effort is worth it.

“We see you, we think about what you’re doing and why,
and look what happens,” the driver said. “It’s a good
thing, what you do.”

“O, my soul, bless the Lord!” said Joanne. The taxi
driver’s message was, she said, “a love letter from
heaven. Rejoice, for here is proof that even in our
darkest days, God is working wonders in answer to
our prayers!’

Keep praying!

[Salvation]

March 27, 2010

Day 39 - March 27

 

Intention:

Pray that volunteers will replace exhaustion or discouragement with rejoicing over the miracles we have seen thus far, and enthusiastic service as God takes us on to victory!

Scripture:

In this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while, if need be, you have been grieved by various trials, that the genuineness of your faith, being much more precious than gold that perishes, though it is tested by fire, may be found to praise, honor, and glory at the revelation of Jesus Christ.

-- 1 Peter 1:6-7

Reflection:

We have reason to rejoice when we consider the many babies whose lives have been saved during the 40 Days for Life campaign. Add to those lives, the women and men who have been spared from a devastating decision and now have opportunity to make a plan for their baby that is both life affirming and God honoring.

Whether directly, or indirectly, you have contributed to these testimonies of praise with your sacrificial service. Perhaps you have been grieved by various trials during your commitment to 40 days. The attacks of the enemy come in many forms -- difficulties in relationships, finances, health. Or maybe you are physically and mentally exhausted and have been marking off the days on your calendar, eagerly waiting for Day 40.

Consider these trials in light of God's plan for you. The Apostle Paul understood the big picture when he said in Romans 8:18, "For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us." This is our Hope and our victory. Let us rejoice in the opportunity to give that Hope to others in our path.

Prayer:

Dear Heavenly Father, We sing to You a new song, for You have done marvelous things. Forgive us when we allow circumstances to defeat us. You give power to the faint and You increase strength in those who have no might. We rest in You dear Lord, and ask You to empower us again for Your service as You work out Your plan for us and through us. May You receive glory through our victory in Christ, in whose name we pray, amen.

Carmen Pate
Co-host, "Point of View" Talk Show